The hypocrisy of the Liberal announcement yesterday continues this government’s non-science based approach to the environment. The narrative has gone from carbon tax, to a price on carbon, to a price on pollution when in fact it is none of these things. This is clearly part of a continuing Liberal effort at income redistribution to bolster the middle class under the umbrella of environmental stewardship. The terrible individual and national financial consequences of this effort will become evident soon enough.

Canada, as a producer of a minuscule amount of the carbon burden, has a role to play. It should be regularly and loudly calling out China, India, the United States and other significant players to reduce their carbon emissions. We should develop a leadership role in carbon sequestration science.

This is clearly not a case of the impossible just taking a little longer to achieve. From a Canadian perspective, this is simply recognizing that the impossible (having any measurable impact on the issue) can’t be achieved and we must pick our battles more carefully.

As I read the municipal election results, I was surprised to see that in West Carleton-March, the only mention of any defeated candidates was that Eli El-Chantiry was “not seriously challenged.” Judi Varga Toth did present opposition, and appeared to have an organized campaign.

In all other riding reports but one, challengers were given credit – and so they should be. Incumbents, especially hardworking ones such as El-Chantiry, who have earned their stripes, already have a huge advantage at the polls.

Reeveley’s observation about Clive Doucet’s platform missed the point by saying, “His regional-rail idea, the biggest promise he made, comes up practically every election because it’s cheap and looks good on maps but it’s not what anybody wants.” This is not inaccurate; it is incomplete.

Fully informed, Ottawa ratepayers would likely be just as glad to pay to have their suburban neighbours not clog the Queensway in the morning as the same suburban neighbours would be not having to clog it.

Doucet had it right. Doubters, and perhaps the Citizen’s editorial board, should visit Toronto, Montreal, Philadelphia and Chicago to see how “old industrial tracks” fit into the whole transit picture.

I read Randall Denley’s column about how boring old Ottawa has elected Jim Watson for a third term as mayor. “Voters just didn’t see another viable candidate for the top job,” claims Denley.

I have news for Denley: The last thing I want in my city is “drama.” Rather than “interesting characters,” I am looking for stability and “business as usual” from the mayor, and this may have resonated with other voters as well. Stability, sustainability, safety and security are key to running the city, and we have that with Mayor Watson.

If Denley wants more “imagination,” he might want to look past the job of running a city and advocate for a cultural ambassador to spice up the city. I’m fine with a mature and measured hand at the wheel for another term, or two, or three.

Chris MacLean, Ottawa

Liberals must do more than talk about the Saudis

I was thrilled when Justin Trudeau’s Liberals were elected. I was profoundly in disagreement with most Harper government policies.

But what has happened to Trudeau’s moral compass? Since the election, we have seen the promise of electoral reform go up in smoke. How can we be selling arms to a regime that will not hesitate to use these weapons against its own people? When it comes to environmental protection and human rights abuses by super-rich nations and major trading partners, Trudeau has proven so far only that he “talks the talk” but does not “walk the walk.”

Now we have “business as usual” with a Saudi regime that I can only describe as profoundly vicious. Shame on the government. This may have been Harper`s deal, but the Liberals are now in power. Can we see some action rather than rhetoric?

As avid bird watchers, my husband and I were very interested in the recent piece about bird species in Ottawa. It seems that our condo complex on Brittany Drive is in a small area that is home to more than four species.

We are surrounded by trees and have a pond in the centre of the units and get to enjoy chickadees, juncos, many types of sparrows, blue jays, cardinals, geese, ducks, cedar waxwings in spring and fall, a couple of nesting vultures, robins and the occasional heron, pigeons and crows.

Needless to say, this is a joy to young and old, with little kids screaming with delight when chasing them. Nice to read a happy, positive article for a change.

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